Full Notification

August 7, 2020

The McDowell County Health Department has been notified that 18 additional McDowell County residents have tested positive for novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).  

“Community transmission of COVID-19 continues across all parts of McDowell County. To reduce the number of new infections, it is essential that each citizen wear a face covering, practice social distancing, and good hand hygiene.  These simple steps can help lower our community’s infection rate” stated Public Health Director Karen Powell.  We are dedicated and committed to keeping you safe and protecting the community.    McDowell County continues to be strong!  Who are you wearing your mask for?

This brings the total number of positives to 628 in McDowell County. There have been 8,943 people tested, 7,837 negative results and 478 tests are pending results.  Presently, there are 263 individuals in quarantine, 350 out of quarantine and 15 deaths.

Public Health, along with Emergency Management continue to monitor the outbreak at Deer Park Health & Rehab. in McDowell County. As of Friday afternoon, a total of 32 residents and 26 staff members have tested positive for COVID-19.  One staff member and two residents remain hospitalized.  Sadly, nine residents at Deer Park have died due to COVID-19.  Emergency Management and Public Health staff continue to support Deer Park staff and residents with onsite operational and logistical support. 

The Health Department is working diligently to get in touch with all contacts of positives to offer testing.  We continue to quarantine all positives for 10 day, per CDC recommendations.  It is critical for Public Health to be ahead of the transmission risk by isolating anyone who has been exposed.  We cannot lose focus of this serious situation, which is to stop the transmission of COVID-19 and to save lives. If an individual would like to be tested, they can call the hotline at (828) 527- 6687. The operator will ask a list of questions and will provide the caller with the appropriate instructions based upon the answers given. The hours of operation for this hotline are 8AM – 8PM, 7 days per week.  If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 and inform the dispatcher that you have symptoms of COVID-19.

Additional statistics related to COVID-19 testing in McDowell County can be found by visiting http://www.mcdowellem.com/covid-19.html

Free COVID-19 testing will be conducted at the following locations via a drive-thru setup: 

• McDowell County Health Department; Monday, August 10 from 9-11 a.m.
• McDowell County Health Department; Friday, August 14 from 9-11 a.m.